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the magic is in the details

Disneyland is a magical place for people of all ages. But what makes it that way?

It’s the art of immersion, and there is no one better than Disney at making the guest feel as if they’ve been dropped into a magical world. The secret is in the details.

From the moment you step foot on Disney’s Main Street, guests are transported to the ideal small American town, with it’s red, white, and blue banners, ice cream parlors, quaint little shops, and a brass band playing on the corner. Mickey and Minnie are awaiting guests for a quick picture–it’s their first introduction to the magic that will greet them as they venture further into Disney’s story.

From there, guests are invited to visit the park’s many “lands,” Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Mickey’s Toontown, Critter Country, and New Orleans Square. Each themed area of the park sets the guest into a distinctly different environment. You know exactly where you are the minute you enter each land. The attention to detail—from the intricately painted hand rails to the subtle sound of crickets playing on the hidden speakers to terrain-specific plants in each area of the park—helps guests to lose themselves into the illusion of each land.

Who is responsible for the magical details? Disney’s Imagineering program.

According to Disney, “The name ‘Imagineering’ combines imagination with engineering. Building upon the legacy of Walt Disney, Imagineers bring art and science together to turn fantasy into reality and dreams into magic.”

“Walt Disney Imagineering is the unique, creative force behind Walt Disney Parks and Resorts that dreams up, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, cruise ships, real estate developments, and regional entertainment venues worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from the dynamic global team of creative and technical professionals building on the Disney legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment through technical innovation and creativity.”

The man behind the park, Walt Disney, was all about storytelling. His vision of placing guests into the midst of a story is a legacy that continues today. Disney creates stories through sound, visuals, and motion.

Watch Disney’s Sound Imagineers work to create a story through sound.

Signage, banners, and other visual elements are key to a guest’s experience. Graphic Designers have a crucial role in the immersive experience:

So many kinds of artists are employed at Disneyland. The hand painted rides, scenic painting, and craftsmanship are evident throughout the park. Check out this interview with a man who is a Painter at Disney.

The great thing about the Disneyland resorts is that it’s always evolving as new movies and adventures unfold. Star Wars is up next! Take a look at their work in progress: